Dr. Davis is a materials consultant with
over 30 years of experience in basic and
applied research and development
involving surfaces and interfaces
related to adhesion and corrosion.
Particular areas of interest include
surface treatments, especially those
improving the durability or corrosion
resistance of materials, and
nondestructive evaluation or monitoring
of material degradation. He was one of
the pioneers in using x-ray
photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and
other surface analytical techniques to
understand the degradation of adhesive
bonds and to develop processes to
improve durability. Later, he invented
of a series of corrosion sensors that
allow electrochemical impedance
spectroscopy (EIS) to be performed under
ambient conditions instead of the
hitherto required immersion conditions.
These sensors detect corrosion of
painted structures and moisture
intrusion and degradation of polymeric
materials during accelerated tests and
field service. In addition, he has used
his background in surface analysis,
electrochemistry, and materials science
for process development and failure
analysis of manufactured components and
processes that enabled improvements in
reliability and yield, realization of
cost savings, and resumption of
production.